Dead Pixel Test
Fill your screen with solid colors one at a time to reveal dead or stuck pixels. Works on monitors, laptops, and phones.
Fill your screen with solid colors one at a time. A dead pixel stays black on every color; a stuck pixel shows the wrong color. Inspect closely on each background.
Dead Pixel Test
A dead pixel test displays solid color screens to help you find faulty pixels on your display. By filling the entire screen with a single uniform color, any pixel that shows a different color or stays dark becomes easy to spot.
The tool cycles through nine colors: red, green, blue, white, black, cyan, magenta, yellow, and gray. Each one highlights different types of pixel defects. If you also want to check your display for touch issues, the touch screen test covers dead zones and ghost touch.
Dead vs Stuck vs Hot Pixels
These three types of pixel defects are distinct and behave differently.
A dead pixel is a pixel that produces no light at all. It typically appears as a small black dot regardless of what color the screen displays. Dead pixels occur when the pixel's transistor has failed completely.
A stuck pixel is locked on a single color, usually red, green, or blue. Unlike a dead pixel, a stuck pixel still receives power but cannot change its state. Stuck pixels often show up on bright backgrounds as a small colored dot.
A hot pixel is extremely bright, often appearing as a white dot. Hot pixels are common in camera sensors but can also appear on LCD monitors under high heat or stress.
How to Use the Dead Pixel Test
Open the tool on the device you want to test. Click the fullscreen button to expand the display across your entire screen. Use the color buttons to cycle through each solid color. Examine every area of the screen carefully before moving to the next color.
If you spot a tiny dot that stands out from the surrounding color, note its position. Check it against several background colors to confirm it is a genuine defect and not a piece of dust on the screen.
How to Spot a Dead Pixel
Dead pixels are easiest to find against a white or bright background because the dark dot contrasts sharply. Stuck pixels are easiest to spot on a black background or a background in a contrasting hue.
Move your face close to the screen if you are testing a high-resolution display. Pixels are smaller on 4K and high-DPI screens, making a dead pixel easy to miss from a normal viewing distance.
Can You Fix a Dead Pixel?
Dead pixels with a failed transistor are generally permanent. No software tool can restore a completely non-functional pixel.
Stuck pixels are sometimes recoverable. Methods include running pixel-cycling software that rapidly switches the pixel through many colors, or applying gentle pressure to the stuck area with a soft cloth. Neither method works reliably, but both are worth trying before considering a panel replacement.
When Should You Run a Dead Pixel Test?
Running this test when you first receive a new monitor or phone is a good habit. Most manufacturers accept dead pixel warranty claims only within a specific window after purchase, and many have minimum thresholds before issuing a replacement.
Running it after a physical impact, repair, or screen protector installation is also worthwhile to confirm no new damage has occurred. Also check your refresh rate to confirm the panel is running at its rated speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a pixel is dead or stuck?
A dead pixel appears black on all backgrounds. A stuck pixel appears as a colored dot that stays the same color even when the background changes.
Can the test damage my screen?
No. Displaying solid colors at normal brightness is safe for any display type, including OLED, LCD, and IPS panels.
How many dead pixels does a manufacturer cover under warranty?
This varies by brand and panel tier. Some manufacturers replace a screen for a single dead pixel, while others require five or more before honoring a warranty claim.
What color shows dead pixels most easily?
White reveals dark dead pixels most clearly. Black reveals stuck pixels in red, green, or blue most clearly.
My screen has a dim spot, not a dark dot. Is that a dead pixel?
Not necessarily. Dim areas are often caused by backlight issues or LCD bleeding rather than pixel failure. Run the test on a white background to distinguish between the two types of defect.
Does this tool work on phones and tablets?
Yes. Open the tool in your mobile browser, tap fullscreen, and use the color buttons to cycle through the test screens.